There are three things I could discuss for hours: coffee shops, horror movies, and concerts. In all three of these, there’s a ton of factors that go into a good one, and lots of potential areas for something to be left desired.
I have been to a LOT of concerts; I’ve even seen some of my favorite artists two or three times. I can emphatically say that Justin Timberlake's “Man of the Woods” tour was definitely one of the best shows I’ve ever seen production-wise, thanks to the solid setlist, mind-blowing stage-set-up and energy of both the crowd and the performers.
I didn’t really know what to expect. I like a lot of JT’s music, but I’m not super familiar with his entire discography. I was overjoyed that the opening song was “Filthy,” the album’s first single that I’ve always thought sounds like it was meant to be listened to live rather than on an album.
As I said above, I have been to tons of concerts, and seen some truly uproarious crowds, from the teen-shrieks of One Direction fans (which may or may not include myself… ahem) to the bass-thumping, frat-party vibe of The Weeknd’s concertgoers. But these JT fans were ready to GO. I mean, the main stage was literally a bar.
Can we talk about the stage for a minute?! I’m always a fan of unique stage set-ups; a B-stage brings the performer out into the crowd in a way that a traditional stage could never. But JT basically had an A, B, and C stage, covering the entire floor. Hundreds of fans were able to get up close and personal. When as many fans as possible are able to leave with such an intimate experience, that’s a good show!
And there was a lot to get up close to. The wilderness theme of the tour (and JT’s new image in general) was charming without being overkill, with trees lining some areas of the stage and reappearing grass that still stumps me. Usually I like to watch the behind-the-scenes stuff going on, like when you see the performer run to the back of the stage while a video plays above so they can swap out jackets or whatever. But colorful lasers and fluctuating projection screens took my eyes away from all the behind-the-scenes stuff without me even realizing it. When the show is such a spectacle you genuinely fall prey to all the distractions, that’s a good show!
The show was also a treat for the ears, not just the eyes. EThe show was also a treat for the ears, not just the eyes. Every single song of the packed 27-track setlist had the energy and gusto of the opening and closing number. “Sexyback,” “My Love” and “Mirrors” (the 4th, 9th and 11th songs, respectively) in particular roused the crowd with thumping beats and choreography so energetic I felt tired just watching it. Each of those songs had so much vivacity, it felt like it was time to grab our purses and head to the parking lot when each was over. When every song feels like the finale, that’s a good show!The show was also a treat for the ears, not just the eyes. Every single song of the packed 27-track setlist had the energy and gusto of the opening and closing number. “Sexyback,” “My Love” and “Mirrors” (the 4th, 9th and 11th songs, respectively) in particular roused the crowd with thumping beats and choreography so energetic I felt tired just watching it. Each of those songs had so much vivacity, it felt like it was time to grab our purses and head to the parking lot when each was over. When every song feels like the finale, that’s a good show!very single song of the packed 27-track setlist had the energy and gusto of the opening and closing number. “Sexyback,” “My Love” and “Mirrors” (the 4th, 9th and 11th songs, respectively) in particular roused the crowd with thumping beats and choreography so energetic I felt tired just watching it. Each of those songs had so much vivacity, it felt like it was time to grab our purses and head to the parking lot when each was over. When every song feels like the finale, that’s a good show!
The show was also a treat for the ears, not just the eyes. Every single song of the packed 27-track setlist had the energy and gusto of both an opening and closing number. “Sexyback,” “My Love” and “Mirrors” (the 4th, 9th and 11th songs, respectively) in particular roused the crowd with thumping beats and choreography so energetic I felt tired just watching it. Each of those songs had so much vivacity, it felt like it was time to grab our purses and head to the parking lot when each was over.
I think one reason Justin Timberlake is successful is because he’s reaped the benefits of being a former boy band member while adding genuine musical talent and his own flair. Some former boy band members want to abandon all reminders of their former careers and show off how mature they are now (see: Nick Jonas, Zayn Malik). Others take on a different genre to try out something new (see: Harry Styles). But JT has kept the trademark boy-band vibe of his N*Sync days (sleek choreography, undeniably catchy pop music), reaping the benefits of what made him famous, while trying out new styles and images and cultivating genuine musical credibility (in addition to nonstop fancy footwork, he played multiple instruments throughout the show).
JT also slowed it down at times for a much-needed cooldown, including when he and his back-up singers gathered around an actual campfire for some acoustic jams. This part of the show was refreshing after all the slick and thumping beats and hyperactive choreography, but by the time the campfire was snuffed out (not literally; I’m still not sure if it was real), the crowd was ready to dance again, particularly to a grooving “Rock Your Body” and a sing-along “Say Something.”
JT also slowed it down at times for a much-needed cooldown, including when he and his back-up singers gathered around an actual campfire for some acoustic jams. This part of the show was refreshing after all the slick and thumping beats and hyper choreography, but by the time the campfire was snuffed out (not literally), the crowd was ready to dance again, particularly to a grooving “Rock Your Body” and a sing-along “Say Something.”
Even non-JT fans can expect a lot from the show: a jam-packed setlist of hits, slick choreography, and a total party atmosphere that makes the event feel more like a campfire rager than a run-of-the-mill arena pop concert.
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